The Cougars placed roses on the 3-yard-line to honor the life of former MSU punter Mike Sadler, who wore the No. 3 while playing for MSU. They also placed roses on the 6-yard in honor of Mylan Hicks, who wore No. 6.

Sadler and Hicks were both on the team from 2010-2014. Sadler died in a car accident this summer. Hicks was killed in a nightclub shooting in Canada in late September.